It is once the season is over that the NBA paradoxically enters its most turbulent and craziest period of the year, namely the Free Agency. The basketball planet is already agitated and vibrates to the rhythm of rumours. Especially the one around the Brooklyn Nets. Kyrie Irving should leave the New York franchise. And his departure might eventually lead to another, even crazier one, that of Kevin Durant.
It remains very hypothetical and highly improbable. But this league goes more and more into a spin year following year and even the craziest scenarios now tend to become reality. Even the serious Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe have raised the possibility of a KD transfer.
Franchises brace for Kevin Durant trade
On the other hand, let’s be clear: if ever the player were to ask to leave, the Nets will be in a position to ask for an absolutely unprecedented package. The proposals listed by us below may seem massive to you. Remember that he is one of the two best players in the world under contract until 2026. A favorite for the MVP of this caliber is usually almost never traded.
Pour Brian Scalabrine, the Boston Celtics can make the best offer. We’re not so sure. We have therefore imagined eight potential offers that seem to us to be approximately realistic. They are not sorted in any particular order. Let’s go.
A new shock duo at the Boston Celtics
Boston receives: Kevin Durant, Seth Curry
Brooklyn receives: Jaylen Brown, Daniel Theis, Derrick White, 2023 and 2025 first-round draft picks, 2024 and 2026 swap rights
Despite his heroic playoff campaign, Jayson Tatum was a little holey in the NBA Finals. His future remains bright. But while waiting for him to reach his full potential, if the Celtics surrounded him with a – a priori – even stronger player? No defense wants to mess with Kevin Durant (except maybe Boston). Even less with Tatum around.
It would obviously be a shame to break the tandem with Jaylen Brown, but KD is in a whole different category. Especially when it comes to playmaking. Beyond his scoring, his ability to create would give much more volume to Boston’s offense.
For Brooklyn, the idea would be to get their hands on draft picks — all sacrificed to bring in James Harden — while rebuilding the team around Ben Simmons and Brown, two of the top three picks in the 2016 draft.
Revenge of the Phoenix Suns
Phoenix receives: Kevin Durant
Brooklyn receives: Deandre Ayton, Dario Saric, Cameron Payne, 2023 and 2024 first-round draft picks, 2024 and 2026 swap rights
This deal is already more complicated to set up because it implies that Deandre Ayton first signs a contract to be exchanged in stride. In this situation, he would then hold a deal around 30 million per season. It would therefore be necessary for the Nets to particularly appreciate the profile of the pivot of the Bahamas since it is the main part of the counterpart.
Durant has already praised Devin Booker on several occasions. He might form an absolutely diabolical duo by his side. Especially with Chris Paul to pass the swell to them. This team would almost instantly be the big favorites for the title.
Kevin Durant joins his core team
Toronto receives: Kevin Durant, Seth Curry
Brooklyn receives: Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, 2023 and 2025 first-round picks, 2024 and 2026 swap rights
Did you know that KD grew up as a Raptors fan? He would have the opportunity to play for Toronto with a supporting cast cut to go far. Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, Gary Trent Jr, Precious Achiuwa it can send.
Damian Lillard’s dream
Portland receives: Kevin Durant
Brooklyn receives: Anfernee Simons, Nassir Little, Eric Bledsoe, 2025 first-round pick, 2025 first-round pick via Milwaukee, 2024 and 2025 swap right
Much like Phoenix, this deal involves Anfernee Simons being traded via a sign&trade. Unless Kevin Durant asks to join only the Blazers, it’s hard to see how this exchange can succeed. The assets that Portland can offer are still less interesting.
The Miami Heat to turn a corner?
Miami receives: Kevin Durant, Jevon Carter
Brooklyn receives: Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, premier tour de draft 2023 et 2027
The offer may seem higher than that of other franchises but somewhere, that’s the point. It’s overkill. Losing Bam Adebayo is obviously sad for the Heat but Kevin Durant is the player worth the effort. Miami would immediately be a scarecrow in the East. The Nets would have them enough to start once more with Adebayo, Simmons and Tyler Herro.
The rebirth of the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio receives: Kevin Durant
Brooklyn receives: Dejounte Murray, Josh Richardson, 2023 and 2025 first-round picks, 2025 first-round picks via Chicago, 2028 first-round picks via Brooklyn, 2024 and 2026 swap rights
An offer essentially centered on picks. It all depends on the direction the Nets want to take if they ever give in to a hypothetical request from Durant. If the franchise prefers to rebuild from scratch, the Spurs are the ones who can offer a package of draft picks.
San Antonio should sign at least two or three confirmed players to support KD in stride. Because his presence alone will not be enough to bring the Texas franchise back to the top.
What if the New Orleans Pelicans had the best offer?
New Orleans receives: Kevin Durant, Jevon Carter
Brooklyn receives: Brandon Ingram, Jaxson Hayes, Devonte Graham, three first-round draft picks
Kevin Durant probably doesn’t want to go play for the Pelicans but imagine him with Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones… it’s promising! Especially since New Orleans can offer an All-Star from the same promotion as Simmons (Ingram was drafted second just behind the Australian in 2016) but also three draft picks from its large collection of picks.
To break the internet, a return to the Golden State Warriors
Golden State receives: Kevin Durant, Jevon Carter
Brooklyn receives: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, premier tour de draft 2026, droit de swap 2025
What’s worse is that it’s not the ugliest proposition of the lot. Perhaps even the most interesting in terms of young talent. Well, not sure it’s really on Kevin Durant’s mind to play with Stephen Curry and the Warriors once more…
